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Advisory Services

AKF Consulting Group advises state governments and public entities on all aspects of 529, ABLE, and state-run retirement program design, analysis, and marketing. Our services include program design, launch and implementation, investment options evaluation, program administration support, development of governance and best policy practices, marketing performance assessments, investor education initiatives and guidance on legislative and regulatory matters.

End-to-End Program Design

From the development of program structures and the selection of program managers to the day-to-day management and marketing of the 529, ABLE and state-run retirement programs, we provide strategic counsel on every component of plan design.

Industry Benchmarking and Landscape Analysis

Our comprehensive view of the 529, ABLE and state-run retirement landscape allows us to provide our clients with detailed industry analyses and trend comparisons on everything from investment offerings to administrative and regulatory protocols. Our intricate understanding of industry developments and trends also enables to help establish appropriate benchmarks for plan comparisons.

Program Manager Selection and Evaluation

Staffed by a team of veteran professionals, we take an active role in program manager selection and ongoing performance monitoring, developing rigorous evaluation criteria and clear-cut performance metrics.

Program Administration

We advise clients on all aspects of contract considerations, requests for proposals, staffing and investor relations needs associated with the day-to-day administration of their 529, ABLE and state-run retirement programs.

Program Conversions

Our experts can assist with and advise on all aspects of program conversions and transitions, including communications, investment mapping and records management.

Governance and Fiduciary Training

We have worked with a wide range of entities that administer 529, ABLE and state-run retirement programs. Each authorizing entity brings a different level of governance experience and as a result we have established industry training on plan governance matters and we work hard to promote best practices for state entities.

Legislative and Regulatory Guidance

Conducting regular legislative, regulatory and market analysis, AKF Consulting Group provides ongoing counsel to clients on the impacts of new regulations on plan designs, operations and communications.

Consumer Marketing

With experience that dates to the creation of the industry’s earliest 529 plans and includes extensive retail retirement platforms, AKF Consulting Group professionals have assisted with the development of strategic marketing campaigns for some of the country’s leading state-run investment programs.

Professional Education

AKF Consulting Group is a trusted source of industry insight, providing comparative analyses and 529, ABLE and state-run retirement market trend overviews to the professional communities that support state-run investment plans, including program managers, certified public accountants, disability advocates and retirement plan stakeholders. Our goal is to help educate key industry participants on all the nuances of 529, ABLE and state-run retirement plans.